The NBA season is coming to an end, with each team having less than 10 games left and the play-in tournament approaching. There are still many playoff spots up for grabs, especially in the tough Western Conference. The Warriors have been playing really well since the All-Star break, so the playoff seeding in the West is still uncertain.
One of the biggest shocks this season—and maybe in NBA history—was when the Lakers traded Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a bunch of draft picks for Luka Dončić. That trade changed everything for the NBA season, affecting not just those two teams but the entire league.
Since the trade, Los Angeles has become one of the top teams in the league, while the Mavericks, struggling with injuries, are now just trying to secure a spot in the play-in tournament. With the season in full swing, it has been tough to find time for practice, but on Wednesday, the Lakers were able to schedule a session. Head coach JJ Redick revealed his team’s strategy for the last part of the regular season.
“It takes a mental, physical, and emotional effort. You need to focus on every possession. While good teams are usually focused 90% of the time during the regular season, we must maintain that level over these next eight games. We need to develop our playoff mindset, and it has to start tonight,” Redick stated.
After practice, Redick spoke to the media and was asked about Austin Reaves becoming a top contender for the Most Improved Player award.
“I really dislike that award. Just say it’s the high draft pick who has a big contract and is now an All-Star,” Redick said to the reporters.The last five champions are some of the newer players in the league, so it’s clear why Redick feels this way. Although personal awards are great, Redick’s main goal is to guide his team to the NBA Finals.
